So…this is going to be interesting. The last race (Argentine GP) made headlines for the wrong reasons and the ensuing debates between Rossi fans and Marquez fans now cast a shadow over what the happy main story should be – can Marc Marquez continue his insane streak of success at Circuit of the Americas?
Just like last year, Nathan and I are heading out to catch as many sights as possible during one of the best motorcycling weekends of the year, and we’re going to do our best to bring you along. If you’re also going to be around for the festivities, let’s meet up! Otherwise, I hope my posts over the next few days let you live vicariously.
Marquez owns Austin. Hell, he owns America – he’s raced MotoGP in the US nine times and has won each race (earning pole position in all but one instance). Will his streak continue? Photo by Nathan May.
If you can’t attend in person, these are the two main ways that you can watch the MotoGP side of things:
1. Stream it online with MotoGP’s proprietary VideoPass. It’s not cheap but they do offer a free trial.
2. Watch it on TV. The US provider is beIN sports – you’ll have to figure out what channel that is for you.
Rossi is currently outside of the Top 5 but his fans will be out in force, as always. Photo by Nathan May
This will be the 6th running of MotoGP at Circuit of the Americas, and it will have a significant impact on the leaderboard. Here’s something I never thought I would say – Cal Crutchlow is leading the MotoGP World Championship Standings! He’s also the first Brit to be in such a position since 1979. The current lineup is:
1 – Cal Crutchlow (Great Britain) Honda – 38 points
2 – Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Ducati – 35 points
3 – Johann Zarco (France) Yamaha – 28 points
4 – Maverick Viñales (Spain) Yamaha – 21 points
5 – Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda – 20 points
Per MotoGP’s fancy statistics service, “this is the lowest score for a rider leading the Championship after the opening two races of the year since the current points scoring system was introduced in 1993“.
Rossi earned a surprise (at least to me) 2nd place finish last year. Austin is one of only four current circuits that Valentino has not won at – how will he do this time around?
It’s worth mentioning that Dani Pedrosa has come out to Texas and is planning on riding even though he had surgery for a broken wrist sustained in the last race! While his teammate Marquez is the favorite, I’m hoping for strong challenges – particularly from Rossi, Dovizioso, and Zarco.
For a professional look at this weekend, keep your browser pointed at MotoMatters to see what David Emmett has to think. For general tomfoolery, I’m your man. My plane is about to land in Austin, so let the good times roll! For live-ish updates, my silliest stuff will be on my Instagram stories.
Featured Photo: The Red Bull girls from last year, because they seem to be the best way to get your attention to read my nonsense.